Do you need to visit a doctor to determine the cause of cold feet?

A:

Quick Answer

Because cold feet can be a symptom of many medical conditions, such as frostbite, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, poor circulation and clogged arteries, a person many want to see a doctor if he or she is experiencing this symptom to determine its cause. A condition such as diabetes mellitus, can cause narrowing of blood vessels when blood sugar levels are very high, according to MedicineNet. This can cause blood vessels to narrow, leading to cold feet.

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Similarly, a person with peripheral arterial disease can experience a symptom such as cold feet, explains WebMD. The cause of peripheral arterial disease is plaque that builds up in the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. Some contributing factors for this condition may be high cholesterol levels and hypertension.

When a person experiences leg pain, numbness and a change in skin color, he or she should see a doctor, suggests WebMD. Having peripheral arterial disease can increase a person's risk for heart attack and stroke.